One school that's out forever

THE school bell will ring for the last time at Coley Park Junior School today.

After 37 years of teaching, the school is to merge with its larger neighbour St Mary and All Saint's Church of England Primary School.

The new, bigger St Mary's is expected to continue to use the Coley Park buildings until the end of the next school year, when they will be pulled down.

"There are mixed feelings in the school and the children have some reservations about the change, but we've tried hard to have a positive year," said headteacher Sean Connor.

"We have held many transition activities, such as joint assemblies, joint trips, special weeks such as Arts Week, and after-school clubs where the two sets of children have had the opportunity to mix and get to know each other."

Many of the staff at Coley Park are already employees of St Mary's, and have been on secondment to the smaller school for the past year.

Other teachers will be transferring to the newly enlarged school, with only Mr Connor and the finance officer moving elsewhere.

Beverly Clements will be head at the new school.

"Some of the staff are a bit sad - some of those who have been on secondment have really taken Coley Park to their hearts," Mr Connor said.

"The move can only be a good thing though - there will be more space and more staff, which will help a lot with things like lesson planning.

"When emotions have died down we will all appreciate the improved facilities on offer to the children."

Mr Connor said he was pleased that "value added" measurements of school performance introduced last year showed there had been a significant improvement in standards at Coley Park.

Speaking about the atmosphere at the school, he said: "Coley Park has always been an inclusive school.

"Many children who have not succeeded at their previous schools have settled and succeeded at Coley Park thanks to the dedication and commitment of all the staff.

"The school is a warm, friendly and welcoming school and almost has the feel of a small village school in an urban setting."

Mr Connor said he was sad to be leaving the parents and pupils at Coley Park, but that he would be taking many happy memories with him. "I will always remember with fondness the productions which we have performed and the numerous special days such as World Book Day, where staff, governors and pupils have dressed up in fancy dress, not to mention sports days and residential trips," he said.

Coley Park has also had its share of tragedy through the years. In January 1997, eight-year-old Joanna Canlin collapsed in the playground and died after suffering a rare heart problem. Almost exactly a year later, six-year-old Steven Sandon also collapsed and died in the playground, although in his case the cause of death was never determined.